The Unwritten Rules of Death Stranding 2 Explained

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is finally here, and making some massive waves at that. Much of this is due to how much it has committed to improving on the formula of the original, although this has involved streamlining a lot of its systems and all but giving the people what they want. Nevertheless, Death Stranding 2 is already proving to be a fulfilling continuation of the first game’s legacy.

Before taking on orders in Death Stranding 2, players may want to familiarize themselves with a few of the game’s most important unwritten rules. Knowing these ahead of time can very well mean the difference between life and death, as well as a good delivery and a bad delivery.

What Players Need to Know to Succeed in Death Stranding 2

Always Plan Routes

Perhaps the most important unwritten rule in Death Stranding 2 is that players should always plan their routes before setting out to complete an order. While the game does strongly encourage doing so, it’s possible to miss it entirely when the opportunity presents itself shortly after accepting an order. The reason planning routes is so important is not because it’s easy to get lost, but because the terrain is far more dangerous than it was in the first game, and planning routes ahead of time in Death Stranding 2 can help players avoid succumbing to it.

Utilize the Auto-Arrange Cargo Function

One of the most important functions in Death Stranding 2 is also one that the game doesn’t necessarily outright recommend that players do. As players collect more cargo, either while out on a delivery or before setting off, that cargo can be unevenly distributed and lead to Sam being thrown off balance even easier. However, players can use the “Auto-Arrange Cargo” function in the Cargo Management screen or via the Cargo wheel to let the game automatically optimize the arrangement of the cargo on Sam.

Let Patience Be a Virtue

The number one rule of Death Stranding is patience, and that goes for the sequel as well. Regardless of what players are doing, patience is a must-have virtue, especially when there is rough terrain ahead, or they find themselves surrounded by BTs. In most cases, attempting to rush forward never turns out well, as Sam’s cargo either ends up scattered on the ground or players are spotted and attacked by a BT in Death Stranding 2.

Use the Scanner Often and Collect Optional Cargo and Items

Death Stranding 2‘s Odradek scanner is one of the most valuable tools in Sam’s toolset, as it allows players to see the world around him in a more detailed way. By using the scanner, players can see how difficult the terrain will be to navigate, any routes they’ve planned for themselves, their own footprints and those of other players, lost cargo and items like Chiral Crystals, enemies, and much more. It’s almost equivalent to Hogwarts Legacy‘s Revelio, which is memed for how often players are encouraged to use it, but the same could be said of the scanner in Death Stranding 2.

Prioritize the Story Until Reaching Australia

The world of Death Stranding 2 is massive, beautiful, and compelling, which means many players are likely to be distracted and unable to resist the urge to explore off the beaten path. While exploration is absolutely recommended in Death Stranding, however, in the sequel, it’s actually best to only focus on the story for a while, at least until players get to Death Stranding 2‘s Australia. This is because, once they arrive in Australia, they can use the DHV Magellan’s fast-travel capabilities to go back to Mexico if they wish. Also, there are plenty of more efficient traversal options that unlock as players progress through the story.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

Systems

Released

June 26, 2025

ESRB

Mature 17+ // Violence, Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Strong Language

Publisher(s)

Sony Interactive Entertainment

Engine

Decima

Franchise

Death Stranding

Number of Players

Single-player

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